[ad_1]
SINGAPORE: Royal Caribbean decided to cancel its Quantum of the Seas cruise on Thursday (December 10) “in an overabundance of caution,” after a passenger on a previous voyage tested positive for COVID-19.
Departures will resume on December 14, Royal Caribbean said in an email Wednesday night.
The decision comes after Royal Caribbean said earlier in the day that Thursday’s sailing would proceed as scheduled.
On Wednesday, a passenger aboard a Royal Caribbean ship tested positive for COVID-19 during a cruise to nowhere, prompting the ship to return to Singapore a day ahead of schedule.
The 83-year-old passenger went to the medical center aboard the ship with symptoms of diarrhea. A mandatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was performed as part of the built-in protocols and tested positive.
READ: ‘I will definitely go again’: Some Royal Caribbean passengers say they have no regrets going on a cruise that was interrupted by the COVID-19 case
Passengers aboard the ship began disembarking shortly before 8 p.m. Wednesday, approximately 12 hours after docking at the Marina Bay Cruise Center.
CNA observed the passengers leaving the ship through a closed gangway.
“At Royal Caribbean International, the safety and well-being of our guests and crew are our top priorities.
“In excess of caution, we have decided to cancel our next sailing on December 10, 2020,” Royal Caribbean said in the email.
READ: Royal Caribbean COVID-19 Case ‘Not Unexpected’, Government Prepared For It: Chan Chun Sing
Royal Caribbean said it would provide customers with a full refund, as well as a 25 percent future cruise credit to use on a future cruise.
The amount is based on the total cruise fare paid by customers and future cruise credit will be emailed to customers by January 22, 2021. Credit will be valid for one year from the date of issue .
All previously purchased services and packages, such as internet, drinks, dinners, or upgrades, will be automatically reimbursed along with taxes and fees.
Royal Caribbean added that it will begin processing refunds immediately and that the current refund processing will take around 45 days.
Customers with questions should also contact their travel advisor immediately or contact Royal Carribean at 6675 0419.
“We know how much time and effort goes into planning your vacation and we are very sorry for the disappointment and inconvenience,” said Royal Caribbean.
CHECK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments
Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram
